Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - April 29, 2003
Biota Inc employs its proprietary N-MAX technology to create "nucleotide mimics," novel versions of nucleoside drugs, with the potential for enhanced activity and reduced toxicity. Nucleoside drugs are widely used to treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C infection, and cancer. AZT (zidovudine), a leading anti-HIV nucleoside drug with sales of around US$900 million*, has been a primary target for the Biota Inc research. The latest achievement involves the discovery and initial testing of an AZT nucleotide mimic.
"The AZT-mimic research has been a remarkable success," said Biota Group CEO, Peter Molloy. "In less than a year, Dan Cook's scientific team has demonstrated proof-of-concept for the N-MAX technology and discovered a series of novel compounds that could lead to new treatments for HIV/AIDS." The lead compound series, referred to as B-108, are covered by the patent applications recently filed by Biota Inc.
Dr. Cook presented data on the B-108 compounds at the ICAR meeting, which included the results of studies conducted by an independent US laboratory, using drug resistant HIV strains in human cell cultures. The studies showed that the new compounds were many times more effective than AZT, while exhibiting less toxicity.
"AZT is a good drug and a tough benchmark," said Dr Cook. "These results are very promising."
The B-108 results are expected to generate interest among the companies in the HIV field, opening the way for initiation of partnering discussions over the next few months. Meanwhile, the US research team will continue to optimize the current series of compounds, with the plan to secure a development partner before taking any of the new compounds into clinical development.
Biota Inc already has one important partnership in place, with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which is focused on hepatitis C drug discovery.
* Based on 2002 sales data for Combivir(R) (marketed by GSK), a combination product of AZT and another nucleoside drug, 3TC.
SOURCE Biota Inc
Web Site: http://www.biota-inc.com
030429
PR030469
Copyright © 2003 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .